Bringing Nuclear Energy to Greece
Looking Ahead
SMRs: Driving Greece’s Energy Future
Deon Policy Institute’s contributors are championing the inclusion of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Greece’s energy strategy. These innovative reactors offer a reliable, low-carbon energy solution that complements renewable energy and can help Greece meet its climate goals.
To harness the potential of SMRs, Greece needs a robust regulatory framework, alignment with international nuclear safety standards, and participation in EU and U.S. programs supporting SMR adoption. Training a new workforce in nuclear technologies will also be key.
With the right steps, SMRs can bolster Greece’s energy security, advance decarbonization, and position the country as a leader in clean energy innovation.
Proposal Overview
Recent remarks by Greece’s Prime Minister have ignited discussions about including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the country’s energy plans. SMRs, compact and scalable nuclear reactors with capacities of up to 300 MW, offer advanced safety features and cost efficiencies by being manufactured and assembled modularly.
Why Now?
While renewables supply 57% of Greece’s electricity, reliance on fossil fuels remains high, at 40% of electricity production and 50% of total energy use. As Greece moves toward ambitious 2030 and 2050 climate goals, SMRs could provide stable, low-carbon energy to complement renewables.
In addition, SMRs could play a pivotal role in decarbonizing maritime shipping—a strategic sector for Greece, with its fleet commanding 21% of global capacity.
SMR Advantages:
Cost and Efficiency: Lower initial investments and faster construction times.
Energy Security: High energy output from minimal fuel requirements.
Sustainability: Minimal land usage and adherence to UN and EU green standards.
Project Overview
As a non-partisan think tank of the Diaspora, Deon Policy Institute has assembled a global team of experts that can drive the inclusion of nuclear energy in Greece’s energy mix. More specifically, Deon’s team has identified three crucial milestones on the road to energy security through nuclear energy:
Awareness: Educating the general public as well as relevant stakeholders is key. Deon has developed and is executing a multi-pronged strategy to increase awareness among the Greek population about this new technology.
Energy Planning: Another requirement is to include nuclear energy in the country’s national energy plan. Deon has already submitted a proposal to include nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix as part of the public consultation for Greece’s 2024 national energy plan.
Legal & Regulatory Framework: Lastly, for Small Modular Reactors to be able to operate in Greece, there is a need to create a legal and regulatory framework. Deon is already building a roadmap for what this would require and has engaged with the relevant agencies who can support on this matter.
Proposal Impact:
Introducing nuclear energy into a country's energy mix is a decade-long process. However, through Deon's effort public discourse on the topic is already changing. Nuclear energy, and small modular reactors, have become recurring topics of discussion in Greece, with an eye towards introducing them into Greece's energy mix.
Project Contributors
Nuclear Physicist, President of Deon Policy Institute
Associate Professor, University of Athens
Research Director at the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”
Postdoctoral Researcher at TRIUMF
Principal nuclear engineer, Methods at Westinghouse Electric Company
Professor of Strategy at the University of Piraeus
Development Engineer at DTU Energy
Researcher and Lecturer at the University of York with a focus on Nuclear Hadron Physics
Associate Professor and GreenStar Endowed Fellow in Energy, University of Texas at San Antonio
Nuclear Engineer at Core Power
Related Articles
Small Modular Reactors and the Case of Greece
by Georgios Laskaris
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) present Greece with an important opportunity to strengthen its energy mix, support renewable energy goals, and enhance long-term energy security. At the Deon Institute, we explore how SMRs can address key challenges in Greece’s transition to clean energy while promoting economic and environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Development and Nuclear Energy
by Georgios Laskaris
Greece is aiming to reduce emissions, but the need for clean baseload power brings nuclear energy into focus. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) offer a promising solution—being smaller, cheaper, and faster to deploy than traditional plants. SMRs can provide reliable, zero-emission power and support hydrogen production. With global efforts like the USA's Phoenix project, SMRs could boost Greece’s energy security, but public support is essential.
Nuclear Energy: Opportunities and Challenges for Greece
by Georgios Laskaris
Nuclear energy could play a key role in helping Greece diversify its energy sources, achieve its climate targets, and secure a reliable energy future. At the Deon Institute, we’re exploring how nuclear power can support Greece’s transition to cleaner energy while also driving economic growth and strengthening energy independence.
The Promise of Nuclear Part II: Tethering Greece to terra firma
by Alex Alexakis
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as a game-changer in clean energy. They offer a reliable, low-cost way to reduce emissions while providing steady power alongside renewables. With their advanced safety features and faster deployment, SMRs are an attractive option for countries like Greece to boost energy security. Building public confidence and raising awareness of their benefits will be key to unlocking their potential.
Georgios Laskaris in "EnergyGame": Steps to Unlock SMR Development in Greece
by Ioanna Kostadima
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could revolutionize Greece’s energy landscape by offering clean, reliable power while reducing reliance on imports. Georgios Laskaris stresses the importance of public trust, skilled workforce development, and a strong regulatory framework to make SMRs a reality. He also highlights their potential to complement renewables, stabilize the grid, and cut emissions across sectors. Drawing on international examples like the U.S. Phoenix project, Greece could position itself as a leader in advanced nuclear technology.